Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Bradycardia ; etiology ; Cardiac Pacing, Artificial ; adverse effects ; Carotid Artery, Common ; abnormalities ; Heart Block ; etiology ; Humans ; Jugular Veins ; abnormalities ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Shock, Cardiogenic ; etiology ; Thromboembolism ; complications ; Torsades de Pointes ; etiology

INTRODUCTIONOvarian carcinoma usually presents at an advanced stage with diffuse intraabdominal manifestations. We report a patient who presented with a right groin swelling.

CLINICAL PICTUREThe only clinical abnormality was an enlarged right inguinal lymph node (3 x 2 cm), for which excision biopsy revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed an enlarged left ovarian lesion (9.0 x 6.4 cm).

TREATMENT AND OUTCOMELaparotomy with total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy and partial omentectomy were performed. Histology confirmed left ovarian adenocarcinoma, consistent with the earlier histology of the right inguinal lymph node. There were no other sites of involvement. Postoperatively, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy for treatment of FIGO Stage IIIc ovarian carcinoma and is clinically disease free 13 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONSOvarian cancer presenting with inguinal lymph node metastases is uncommon. Ovarian cancer which manifests solely as a contralateral inguinal lymph node metastasis has not been previously reported. This case illustrates a rare presentation of ovarian carcinoma, and underscores the need to consider ovarian carcinoma in the differential diagnosis of women with inguinal lymphadenopathy.

Adenocarcinoma ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Groin ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Aged ; Cardiac Care Facilities ; trends ; Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ; trends ; utilization ; Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices ; trends ; utilization ; Death, Sudden, Cardiac ; prevention & control ; Defibrillators, Implantable ; trends ; utilization ; Electric Countershock ; trends ; utilization ; Female ; Heart Failure ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Singapore ; Stroke Volume ; Tachycardia, Ventricular ; therapy ; Tertiary Care Centers

INTRODUCTIONPrimary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery capability, despite receiving only a class IIb recommendation in the ACC/AHA practice guidelines, can be performed effectively and safely. We reviewed the fi rst 3 years of our experience.

MATERIALS AND METHODSThis is a retrospective single centre review of all patients receiving primary PCI for STEMI between 2003 and 2005. Demographic, procedural and outcome data were analysed.

RESULTSThere were 259 patients who underwent primary PCI. The mean age was 55.3 +/- 12.3 years. Median door-to-balloon time was 97.5 minutes and 45.2% and 52.9% had anterior and inferior STEMI, respectively. The majority of patients presented with Killip class I (87.6%); however, 5.8% were in Killip class IV. Single vessel disease was found in 47.1%. Angiographic PCI success (defined as residual stenosis <50% with TIMI 3 fl ow) was achieved in 89.1%. Usage of stents, distal protection and aspiration devices were 97.2%, 27.8% and 34.1 %, respectively; 9.3% required intra-aortic balloon pump insertion. No patients required transfer for emergency coronary bypass surgery as a result of PCI complications. Post-PCI ST resolution >50% was achieved in 80.6%. The mean post-infarct left ventricular ejection fraction was 44.1%. In-hospital, 30-day, 6-month and 1-year mortality rates were 2%, 2.8%, 4.0% and 4.8%, respectively. Clinically driven target lesion revascularisation rate was 2.8% at 1 year.

CONCLUSIONSOur results are comparable to those from on-site surgical centres. This supports the feasibility and safety of primary PCI in cardiac centres without on-site cardiac surgery.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Female ; Hospitals ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Time Factors

Humans ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/epidemiology* ; Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology* ; Prothrombin ; Biomarkers

Objectives: The aim of these Clinical Practice Guidelines is to provide evidence-based recommendations to assist healthcare providers in the screening, diagnosis and management of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP). Methods: A list of key clinical questions on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of OP was formulated. A literature search using the PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Databases of Systematic Reviews, and OVID electronic databases identified all relevant articles on OP based on the key clinical questions, from 2014 onwards, to update from the 2015 edition. The articles were graded using the SIGN50 format. For each statement, studies with the highest level of evidence were used to frame the recommendation. Results: This article summarizes the diagnostic and treatment pathways for postmenopausal OP. Risk stratification of patients with OP encompasses clinical risk factors, bone mineral density measurements and FRAX risk estimates. Non-pharmacological measures including adequate calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise and falls prevention are recommended. Pharmacological measures depend on patients’ fracture risk status. Very high-risk individuals are recommended for treatment with an anabolic agent, if available, followed by an anti-resorptive agent. Alternatively, parenteral anti-resorptive agents can be used. High-risk individuals should be treated with anti-resorptive agents. In low-risk individuals, menopausal hormone replacement or selective estrogen receptor modulators can be used, if indicated. Patients should be assessed regularly to monitor treatment response and treatment adjusted, as appropriate. Conclusions The pathways for the management of postmenopausal OP in Malaysia have been updated. Incorporation of fracture risk stratification can guide appropriate treatment.

Transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillators are a type of implantable cardiac device. They are effective at reducing total and arrhythmic mortality in patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICDs) are a new alternative that avoids the disadvantages of transvenous lead placement. In this case series, we report on the initial feasibility and safety of S-ICD implantation in Singapore.
Adult ; Death, Sudden, Cardiac ; prevention & control ; Defibrillators, Implantable ; statistics & numerical data ; Electrophysiology ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Safety ; Prosthesis Implantation ; Singapore ; Tachycardia, Ventricular ; Ventricular Fibrillation

INTRODUCTION: In Singapore, non-anaesthesiologists generally administer sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy. The drugs used for sedation in hospital endoscopy centres now include propofol in addition to benzodiazepines and opiates. The requirements for peri-procedural monitoring and discharge protocols have also evolved. There is a need to develop an evidence-based clinical guideline on the safe and effective use of sedation by non-anaesthesiologists during gastrointestinal endoscopy in the hospital setting. METHODS: The Academy of Medicine, Singapore appointed an expert workgroup comprising 18 gastroenterologists, general surgeons and anaesthesiologists to develop guidelines on the use of sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy. The workgroup formulated clinical questions related to different aspects of endoscopic sedation, conducted a relevant literature search, adopted Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology and developed recommendations by consensus using a modified Delphi process. RESULTS: The workgroup made 16 recommendations encompassing 7 areas: (1) purpose of sedation, benefits and disadvantages of sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy; (2) pre-procedural assessment, preparation and consent taking for sedation; (3) Efficacy and safety of drugs used in sedation; (4) the role of anaesthesiologist administered sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy; (5) performance of sedation; (6) post-sedation care and discharge after sedation; and (7) training in sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy for non-anaesthesiologists. CONCLUSION These recommendations serve to guide clinical practice during sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy by non-anaesthesiologists in the hospital setting.
Conscious Sedation ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Hospitals ; Humans ; Hypnotics and Sedatives ; Singapore

INTRODUCTIONRemote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) has been shown to improve patient safety and reduce in-office visits. We report our experience with remote monitoring via the Medtronic CareLink(®) network.

METHODSPatients were followed up for six months with scheduled monthly remote monitoring transmissions in addition to routine in-office checks. The efficacy of remote monitoring was evaluated by recording compliance to transmissions, number of device alerts requiring intervention and time from transmission to review. Questionnaires were administered to evaluate the experiences of patients, physicians and medical technicians.

RESULTSA total of 57 patients were enrolled; 16 (28.1%) had permanent pacemakers, 34 (59.6%) had implantable cardioverter defibrillators and 7 (12.3%) had cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillators. Overall, of 334 remote transmissions scheduled, 73.7% were on time, 14.5% were overdue and 11.8% were missed. 84.6% of wireless transmissions were on time, compared to 53.8% of non-wireless transmissions. Among all transmissions, 4.4% contained alerts for which physicians were informed and only 1.8% required intervention. 98.6% of remote transmissions were reviewed by the second working day. 73.2% of patients preferred remote monitoring. Physicians agreed that remote transmissions provided information equivalent to in-office checks 97.1% of the time. 77.8% of medical technicians felt that remote monitoring would help the hospital improve patient management. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONRemote monitoring of CIED is safe and feasible. It has possible benefits to patient safety through earlier detection of arrhythmias or device malfunction, permitting earlier intervention. Wireless remote monitoring, in particular, may improve compliance to device monitoring. Patients may prefer remote monitoring due to possible improvements in quality of life.

Aged ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; diagnosis ; Defibrillators, Implantable ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Monitoring, Physiologic ; methods ; Pacemaker, Artificial ; Patient Safety ; Pilot Projects ; Prospective Studies ; Quality of Life ; Remote Consultation ; methods ; Singapore ; Surveys and Questionnaires

INTRODUCTIONThe use of non-fluoroscopic systems (NFS) to guide radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is associated with lower radiation exposure. This study aimed to determine if NFS reduces fluoroscopy time, radiation dose and procedure time.

METHODSWe prospectively enrolled patients undergoing RFCA for SVT. NFS included EnSiteTM NavXTM or CARTO® mapping. We compared procedure and fluoroscopy times, and radiation exposure between NFS and conventional fluoroscopy (CF) cohorts. Procedural success, complications and one-year success rates were reported.

RESULTSA total of 200 patients over 27 months were included and RFCA was guided by NFS for 79 patients; those with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), left-sided atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) and right-sided AVRT were included (n = 101, 63 and 36, respectively). Fluoroscopy times were significantly lower with NFS than with CF (10.8 ± 11.1 minutes vs. 32.0 ± 27.5 minutes; p < 0.001). The mean fluoroscopic dose area product was also significantly reduced with NFS (NSF: 5,382 ± 5,768 mGy*cm2 vs. CF: 21,070 ± 23,311 mGy*cm2; p < 0.001); for all SVT subtypes. There was no significant reduction in procedure time, except for left-sided AVRT ablation (NFS: 79.2 minutes vs. CF: 116.4 minutes; p = 0.001). Procedural success rates were comparable (NFS: 97.5% vs. CF: 98.3%) and at one-year follow-up, there was no significant difference in the recurrence rates (NFS: 5.2% vs. CF: 4.2%). No clinically significant complications were observed in both groups.

CONCLUSIONThe use of NFS for RFCA for SVT is safe, with significantly reduced radiation dose and fluoroscopy time.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Child ; Female ; Fluoroscopy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Radiation Dosage ; Radiation, Ionizing ; Tachycardia, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry ; therapy ; Tachycardia, Supraventricular ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult